Here’s a small-town scooplet: The Ashley Furniture building — formerly Hedman — in downtown Grass Valley has quietly been put up for sale. It is an anchor building in the historic downtown.
The asking price for 153-161 Mill Street building, built in 1896 and renovated in 2007, is $2.9 million. It is 29,848 square feet.
“Over the past 50 years both structures have housed Hedman/Ashley Furniture, the County’s foremost furniture retailer,” according to the listing on commercial real estate agent Lock Richard’s Web site at Sperry Van Ness.
“This is an unparalleled opportunity for an investor, developer, business or community group to own a most prominent portion of historic and vibrant Downtown Grass Valley. This property has it all – beauty, history, culture, and unlimited economic potential.”
In late 2006, the asking price was $4.5 million, according to an article I wrote in The Union at the time.
Tess’ Kitchen is a tenant in the building too.
The sale raises questions about the future of Ashley Furniture. I’ve seen a lot of sale signs in the window.
The building is owned by Peterson family, who are long-timers in the area. Chellie Peterson is Grass Valley city councilman’s Dan Miller’s sister.
The Peterson family has run both furniture stores. They opened Ashley after Hedman closed and the building did not sell.
No word in the local media on this major development — as well as Chris Dabis’ decision not to run for re-election, which I reported yesterday.
The Internet has leveled the playing field when it comes to news gathering.
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The Peterson family are nice, hard working folks and have given much to our community over many, many years.
When I win the mega lotto I want to buy the building (it’s stunning) and turn it into a big brew pub.